Play Team Assistant (Lunchtime Supervisor)

Somers Park Primary School; Malvern; On-site; GBP 3,600 - 4,800; Full time

Job summary

Somers Park Primary School is seeking two lunchtime supervisors for its Malvern Vale site. The roles involve supervising pupils in lunch spaces, supporting welfare, and maintaining a safe environment in dining areas and outdoor spaces.

Training in safeguarding and health & safety will be provided, with a strong emphasis on professionalism and a caring ethos. Two positions are available: a full-time, permanent role and a part-time, permanent role (Thu/Fri).

Qualifications

• Experience of working within a school and/or with children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, staff and the public.
• Willingness to uphold safeguarding and health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children on school premises and grounds during lunch.
• Supervise children using catering facilities and maintain dining area order.
• Undertake ancillary duties such as setting up/clearing tables and cleaning areas.
• Monitor dining areas and assist with safe and positive behaviour.
• Report hazards or injuries to designated staff and keep pupils safe.
• Support staff in maintaining a calm, happy environment.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication skills

Teamwork

Health and safety awareness

Safeguarding knowledge

Discipline enforcement

Job description

Job Overview

The Play Team Assistant is responsible for the supervision of pupils during the lunch period to ensure a safe, orderly, and positive environment across school premises, including dining areas and outdoor spaces.

The role involves supporting pupils’ welfare during mealtimes, promoting positive behaviour and good manners, and ensuring the safety of all children in line with school safeguarding and health and safety procedures. The postholder also undertakes basic ancillary duties to help maintain a clean and safe environment for learning following the lunch period.

The role requires vigilance, initiative, professionalism, and a strong commitment to upholding the school’s caring ethos, values, and standards of conduct.

We are looking to appoint 2 permanent lunchtime supervisors for our Malvern Vale site.

Position1: FulltimePermanentlunchtimesupervisor

Hours: 7hours30minutesperweek,termtimeonly

Location: MalvernValeSite

PayScale: SCP2

Position2: ParttimePermanentlunchtimesupervisor

Hours: 3hoursperweek,termtimeonly(Thursday&Friday)

Location: MalvernValeSite

PayScale: SCP2

Key Responsibilities

• To supervise children on school premises and grounds.
• To supervise children who use catering facilities at the school.
• To undertake ancillary duties as necessary (i.e. setting up and clearing away tables/chairs, cleaningtablesand dining area).
• To sweep / mop floors asappropriate toensure the dining room/classroom is fit for lessons during the afternoon session.
• To use initiative in monitoring events occurring on the school premises and grounds.
• To report any relevant matters or dangers to the Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher or Teacher‑in‑Charge.
• To ensure a safe environment (e.g.by reporting broken glass to senior leaders).
• To report any injuries to children to the designated person.
• To help children cut food when necessary and encourage good table manners.
• To watch for intruders on the site during periods of duty.
• Tomaintainpersonal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job,participateinappropriate trainingactivities, and encourage and support staff in their development and training.
• To uphold the caring ethos, values, and principles of our school.
• To contribute to the safeguarding and protection of all pupils.
• To undertake other such duties and training as may bereasonably requiredand which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job .
• To undertake Health and Safety dutiescommensuratewith the post and/or as detailed in the School Health and Safety Policy.
• To contribute to the positive team atmosphere and public image of the school.
• To always act professionally and with integrity.
• Toassistwith the general care and welfare of all pupils striving to alwaysmaintaina happy safe environment.
• To adhere to andmaintainschool routines and codes of conduct including confidentiality.
• To always support the aims and ethos of the school.
• Tomaintainpersonal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job,participatinginappropriate trainingactivities.
• In all contacts the post holder willbe requiredto present a good image of the School and Multi Academy Trust as well asmaintainconstructive relationships..

The role may include additional duties appropriate to the level of the post, as reasonably requested by the Headteacher. The job description may be reviewed and amended following consultation.

All duties must be carried out in line with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Code of Conduct, promoting equality, dignity, and respect for all.

Person Specification

Key Criteria in addition to the statements in the advert. Assessment, shortlisting & finalselectionwill be assessed initially through candidates' application forms and information. Shortlisted candidates will be further assessed through references and interview activities

Experience

• Experience of working within a school and/or with children

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Assertiveness and ability to enforce discipline where necessary
• Ability and confidence to deal with a variety of people at all levels in a friendly and professional manner
• Ability to understand and follow relevant procedures e.g. Health and Safety, Child Protection, School Behaviour Policy
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work under direction
• An empathy with, and an understanding of children of primary age
• Knowledge of school safeguarding
• Commitment to the school’s wider community

Personal Qualities

• Confidential and discrete
• Calm and supportive manner
• Positive attitude
• Assertive and confident
• An effective team worker
• Excellent attendance and punctuality
• High stamina
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Flexible and adaptable
• Resilient

Skills and Attributes

• An understanding of and commitment to Equality of Opportunity for all
• Commitment with the aims and objectives of comprehensive & community education
• Willingness to take part in all relevant training and a commitment to one’s own professional development
• The calibre to become an outstanding member of staff
• The capacity and enthusiasm to learn and continuously improve
• Experience of basic first aid or hold a qualification
• Other
  • An excellent track record demonstrating:
    • Success in what you have done
    • A spotless record, free from attendance, capability, disciplinary or grievance issues or warnings.

Safer Recruitment

Mercian Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people eandexpects all staff to share this commitment.

All positions are subject to child protection screeningappropriate tothe post, which will include an EnhancedDisclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for the children’s workforce and a Children’s Barred List check

This post requires the ability to perform a role that involves frequent contact with children

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

Why Choose MET?

Mercian Educational Trust is a connected family of schools, united by collaboration, professional trust, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Our approach is built around three core pillars: Working together, Working to grow, and Working well.

Working together means strong professional networks across our schools, combined with genuine autonomy that enables staff to shape practice in response to their pupils and context.

Working to grow reflects our commitment to development for everyone at every stage, with clear career pathways, high-quality CPD, and opportunities to progress across the trust.

Working well ensures that wellbeing and workload sustainability are embedded in how we operate, with systems, expectations, and support designed to help staff thrive in their roles.

Across all three, our aim is simple: to create an environment where colleagues are supported to thrive, empowered in their work, and prepared for long-term success.

For more information about working with us, please visit our careers page. For further details about the individual school, please visit the school’s careers page.